Many people choose modern orthodontic treatments at dental clinics to achieve a straight, beautiful, and confident smile. However, you might wonder, how long do you have to wear braces? Is there a way to reduce the treatment time? Let’s explore the answers together in this article from Shark Dental Clinic!
How long do you have to wear braces?
On average, patients need to wear orthodontic appliances for approximately 12 to 36 months, which includes both the treatment and retention phases. Although braces are a popular orthodontic method, they require time for teeth to gradually shift into their correct positions, ultimately resulting in a straight, even smile and increased confidence.
The treatment duration varies for each individual due to various factors, including the orthodontic method chosen, the condition of the teeth, biological factors, the skill and expertise of the dentist, and the availability of modern equipment. To ensure that your braces treatment follows the correct process and timeline, it is advisable to seek treatment at a reputable dental clinic.
Below is a breakdown of the treatment timeline by stages that you can refer to:
- Pre-orthodontic stage: Initially, the dentist will conduct a general oral examination, take X-rays, and assess any crowding, spacing, underbite, or overbite issues. Based on this evaluation, a suitable treatment plan will be crafted. This stage typically lasts about 60 to 90 minutes, depending on the patient’s specific condition.
- After 3 months of wearing braces: At around the three-month mark, and depending on tooth movement, the dentist may recommend interproximal reduction (tooth stripping) or tooth extraction if necessary. At this stage, you will begin to notice visible changes in your teeth due to the force applied by the archwire system.
- After 6 months of wearing braces: By now, tooth movement tends to slow down. Some teeth may protrude slightly during the shifting process. Dentists will carefully monitor your progress and make timely adjustments to ensure the dental arch becomes more harmonious.
- After 9 months of wearing braces: By nine months, most misaligned teeth will have moved significantly closer to their desired positions, and your bite should feel more balanced. However, it’s still important to maintain close follow-up appointments with your orthodontist to address any irregularities that may arise.
- After 15 months of wearing braces: After about 15 months of continuous treatment, your teeth should have shifted noticeably and become more even. This stage is considered near-final, with only minor adjustments needed to perfect their appearance.
- Completion stage: In the final stage, patients will have an appointment to remove the brackets and archwires. At this point, a retainer will be provided to stabilize the new positions of your teeth. The use of retainers after braces is critical to adhere to oral care and hygiene instructions to maintain your results and ensure long-term success.
In summary, the length of time you will need to wear braces depends on your specific dental condition and the stages of your treatment. To determine the exact duration of your treatment, it is best to visit a trusted dental clinic where experienced orthodontists can evaluate your teeth and provide a personalized treatment timeline.
>>> Read more: How long does it take to get braces on
Tips for getting your braces off on time
Here are some useful tips to help you complete your orthodontic treatment on schedule and have your braces removed at the right time:
- Choose the right braces method: Explore different orthodontic options at reputable dental clinics. For instance, metal braces often require a shorter treatment duration compared to clear aligners, so consider this when making your choice.
- Start braces early: If your teeth are naturally crooked, gapped, protruding, or if you have an underbite or overbite, it’s best to begin orthodontic treatment as early as possible. At this stage, the jawbone structure has not fully stabilized, making it easier to adjust and move teeth into the desired position quickly and effectively.
- Avoid hard and chewy foods: Regularly consuming hard or chewy foods can damage your teeth and may even cause brackets to break or detach, negatively impacting your treatment results. You should cut these foods into small pieces or cook them until soft to make chewing easier and safer.
- Maintain proper oral hygiene: Keeping your teeth clean while wearing braces is essential, especially after meals and before bedtime. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and learn how to floss with braces effectively using dental floss or a water flosser to remove food debris and plaque, which helps prevent bacteria buildup in your mouth.
- Keep up with regular check-ups: Regular check-ups at your dental clinic throughout treatment are crucial. These visits allow your orthodontist to monitor the movement of your teeth, provide timely adjustments, and ensure that your treatment progresses as planned for optimal results.
- Eliminate bad habits: Certain habits should be stopped immediately after getting braces, including tongue thrusting, nail biting, teeth grinding, and chewing on hard objects. These actions can accidentally loosen brackets, interfere with tooth movement, and extend your treatment time.
- Use additional orthodontic appliances if recommended: In some cases, such as protruding teeth or a narrow jaw, your orthodontist may recommend additional appliances, like palatal expanders. These supportive devices help move teeth into the correct position more effectively, potentially reducing overall treatment time.
- Choose a reputable dental clinic: To achieve the best results and minimize treatment time, it’s important to select a trusted dental clinic. Skilled orthodontists with modern equipment and technology will help ensure greater safety, fewer complications, and smoother progress throughout your treatment.
- Maintain a positive mindset: Throughout your orthodontic journey, your dentist will support you and address any unexpected issues. It’s important to stay relaxed, avoid unnecessary stress, and maintain a positive mindset so that your treatment stays on track.
These essential tips can help you get your braces off on time. Although orthodontic treatment requires patience, it is a safe and effective solution for many people. If you want to achieve a straight, beautiful smile, braces remain one of the most reliable options to consider.
Braces at Shark Dental Clinic help you control the time to remove braces
In Vietnam, Shark Dental Clinic is proud to be a reputable dental practice that fully complies with all current regulations and standards. If you want to achieve optimal orthodontic results in the shortest possible time, consider experiencing our braces services at Shark Dental Clinic:
- Shark Dental employs 100% of its doctors from accredited medical and dental universities. Each specialist possesses high professional qualifications and extensive experience in cosmetic dentistry. More importantly, our orthodontists have successfully treated a wide range of cases, from simple to complex, helping clients achieve straight, beautiful teeth and increased confidence.
- To support the orthodontic process, Shark Dental continuously invests in state-of-the-art machines and equipment. Technologies such as Panoramic X-ray, Cephalometric X-ray, and Vceph 3D software enable our doctors to accurately diagnose dental conditions and design precise, personalized treatment plans.
- All Shark Dental clinics are built with a closed-loop system that meets strict sterilization standards. Orthodontic patients are examined and treated in private rooms with dedicated instruments, minimizing the risk of cross-contamination.
- Our braces service is trusted by numerous domestic and international clients for its professionalism and systematic approach. Our dedicated staff provide detailed guidance and are always ready to support and answer any questions throughout your treatment journey.
- Transparency in all Information: When you choose orthodontic treatment at Shark Dental, you will receive clear consultations regarding the treatment process, costs, and a customized plan. Every client is given a formal orthodontic contract, ensuring maximum protection of your rights throughout the treatment process.
With these strengths, Shark Dental Clinic has become a reliable choice for many seeking cosmetic orthodontics. Thanks to a treatment process that strictly adheres to professional standards, we effectively control the time spent wearing braces, helping clients achieve their dream of straight, beautiful teeth within the expected timeframe.
The question, “How long do you have to wear braces?” has been addressed in detail in previous articles by Shark Dental Clinic. With this information, we hope you now have a better understanding of orthodontics, know how to optimize your treatment time, and feel confident in your journey toward a strong, healthy, and beautiful smile for everyday life.
>>> Read more: When were braces invented for teeth
